1995 – The Colorado Rockies become the first major league team to reach the postseason before their seventh year in existence. Colorado also becomes the National League’s first wild card winner following a 10 – 9 win over the San Francisco Giants. Colorado’s .535 winning percentage (77-67 record) is the best-ever for a third-year team. The New York Yankees become the first wild card winner in the American League.
[one_half_last]On July 5, 1991, National League owners unanimously approve Denver, Colorado and Miami, Florida as cities who will receive expansion franchises. The Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins will begin play in 1993.
On June 14, 1990, the National League announces that it will expand by two teams – increasing its membership from 12 to 14 – beginning in 1993. The National League will add the Colorado Rockies and the Florida Marlins to its roster of teams.
On February 6, 1976, the American League grants the new expansion franchise in Seattle to a six-man investment group that includes movie star and entertainer Danny Kaye. The new franchise, called the Mariners, will start play in 1977.
On October 14, 1969, the major leagues hold an expansion draft for four new teams: the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Pilots. The list of players taken in the draft includes future Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm and notables like Tommy Davis, Tommy Harper, Mudcat Grant, and Maury Wills.
On April 14, 1969, the expansion Montreal Expos host their first game north of the border, marking the first time a regular season major league game is played outside of the United States. 29,417 fans came to see the Expos win their debut at Jarry Park, edging the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-7. Montreal…
Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com PODCAST On Friday afternoon April 11, 1969, Major League Baseball came to Seattle with the American League expansion Seattle Pilots debuting at Sick’s Stadium. After near misses with Indians and A’s considering a move to the Pacific Northwest Seattle finally…
Lou Piniella was the first batter in Kansas City Royals history. On April 8, 1969, he led off the bottom of the first inning against left-hander Tom Hall of the Minnesota Twins and doubled to left field. He finished the season with a team-leading .282 batting average, winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award….
1968 – Detroit Tigers pitcher Jon Warden, the last man to make the team in spring training, makes his third appearance, and wins for the third time in relief, as Detroit beats the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in 10 innings, 4 – 1. Due to a torn rotator cuff injury after being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the expansion draft, the rookie sensation, who will be the only Tiger not to appear in the World Series, will pitch only one season finishing with a 4-1 record and a 3.62 ERA.
1968 – One of the two American League expansion teams announces its nickname. The Kansas City franchise, now known as the “Royals”, will begin play in 1969. Kansas City’s last major league franchise, the Athletics, moved to Oakland after the 1967 season. The name evokes the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs and the annual “American Royal” Horse Show, held in Kansas City.